Are there companies interested in developing the coalbed gas resource in the Crowsnest Coalfield?
Yes. In 2003, the Province entered into an agreement with freehold coal owners that gives them the first opportunity to apply for the petroleum and natural gas (PNG) rights in the area of their freehold coal. In the Crowsnest coalfield, both Elk Valley Coal Partnership (EVCP) and Tembec, the other freehold coal owner in this region, can apply for tenure through this agreement. Tenure has been issued to EVCP for the PNG rights on a portion of its freehold coal properties. In 2007, EVCP and BP Canada Energy Company (BP) entered into a commercial agreement. As a result of this agreement, the tenure has since been transferred into BPs name. In addition to freehold coal owners, there have been several companies that previously considered exploratory programs in the area. Most recently, in 2006 BP submitted a project proposal in response to the Ministrys 2003 Call for Proposals to acquire most of the remaining available Crown petroleum and natural gas rights in the coalfield.
